Failed Predictions and What the Bible Says About Prophets
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From the beginning of civilization, doomsayers have prophesied “the end is near,” even with politicians claiming the planet only has 12 years. A look at failed predictions and what the Bible says about prophets.
It isn’t only religious “profits” that make doom and gloom predictions. Politicians and other so-called “experts” are also notorious for making such claims. Doomsayers come from every walk of life. The latest scare is that climate change will end life on Earth in 12 years if steps are not taken immediately.
Here is a look at a few prophecies that didn’t pan out
Pushing the “Green New Deal,” Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) said the following in January 2019.” Millennials and people, you know, Gen Z… we’re like: ‘The world is gonna end in 12 years if we don’t address climate change.'” Three years have gone by, and conditions on Earth have not changed in any drastic way.
In 2006, former Vice President Al Gore was promoting his movie and book “An Inconvenient Truth.” At the time, Gore said humanity only had ten years left to stop global warming before the world would reach a point of no return. Gore bought an $8 million beachfront property near Los Angeles a few years later. Also, as “global warming” no longer was a strong argument, the buzzword was switched to “climate change.”
In Revelation given on September 22 and 23, 1832, Joseph Smith foretold of an LDS temple to be built in Independence, Missouri. (D&C Section 84), according to Cold Case Christianity.
“…which temple shall be reared in this generation. For verily this generation shall not pass away until a house shall be built unto the Lord…”
One hundred eighty years later, no temple has been built as specified in this prophecy. Further, the prophecy cannot refer to a coming time in the future, because early Mormon leaders made it quite clear that the word ‘generation’ meant those alive when the Revelation was given in 1832.
In 1899, the Jehovah’s Witnesses (JW) declared “The battle of the great day of God Almighty, will end in A.D. 1914 with the complete overthrow of Earth’s present rulership, is already commenced.” When that didn’t work out, in 1918, J.W. proclaimed: “Therefore we may confidently expect that 1925 will mark the return of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the faithful prophets of old, particularly those named by the Apostle in Hebrews 11.” In 1922, they doubled down: “The date 1925 is even more distinctly indicated by the Scriptures that 1914…” In 1966, a new date was proclaimed: “According to this trustworthy Bible chronology, six thousand years from man’s creation will end in 1975.” In 1980, J.W. wrote: “If the wicked system of this world survived until the turn of the century (the year 2000), which is highly improbable…” It’s now 2022, and the shifting of dates continues.
The Bible tells us that until the end of time, we will see false prophets come and go.
“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before.”
– Matthew 24:24-25.
The Bible then warms us not to believe them.
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”
– 1 John 4:1
“And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.”
– Deuteronomy 18:21-22
Jesus said:
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.”
– Matthew 7:15-16
“And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.”
–Matthew 24:6
“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.”
– Matthew 24:36
As these verses seem to indicate, it is not God’s intention for us to know when the end is coming. Therefore, it is also unlikely that anyone calling themselves a prophet would actually have the information about the end of days. If God is not even sharing that information with his son Jesus, why would we presume he would share it with any other prophet?
Regarding his return, Jesus said:
“Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
–Matthew 24:44
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